THE ALABAMA BEEMER

Volume XLI Issue 6 June 2012

Newsletter of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of Alabama

BMWMOA Chapter5/

BMWRA Chapter #107

2013: OUR LAST RALLY??? Don Little, President

We had another great rally and I again want to thank all the volunteers who made it possi-

ble. While it was plenty hot enough, we have seen hotter. And we didn’t have any rain or

storms this year. Everything went smoothly.

A suggestion was made that next year’s rally be our last. It was decided that we would all

think about this and take a vote at our January meeting. This is something we all need to do some serious thinking about. 25 years is a long time to put on a rally that involves this

much work. Some members have been there from the beginning, others for only a few

years, and for some this was a first.

Larry Camp has manned those cookers, day and night, for a lot of years. He was fortu-

nate to have Erik Bahl back this year to help him even though Erik is still mending from a terrible accident last year. My question is how much longer can/will Larry want to contin-

ue doing this and who will take his place?? It is not a one or two man job. The cooks need

more help and so do the kitchen workers.

Volunteers make this rally possible and while it seems we had more this year some who

were not even club members, we could have used more. Many worked all weekend and never left the site after the rally started. If you can’t work in the kitchen, try registration, raffle ticket sales or t-shirt sales. These allow you to meet and talk with fellow rally goers,

and while they are important jobs they aren’t quite as labor intensive as working those cookers. Keeping the coffee, tea and lemonade made up is a must as is emptying the

trash cans. EVERY JOB IS IMPORTANT!!

If we go forward with the rally, we need at least two full kitchen crews so they could alter-

nate and have a day to enjoy the rally. This is true for the cooks as well.

Think about this until January and if you vote to continue the rally, please be prepared to do some serious work in 2014. Remember, if you want to keep the rally going, you need to

think about working and not just a couple of hours one day.

I personally hate to give up a rally that is loved and appreciated by (almost) everyone who

attends but we are all getting older and we need more help.

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MEETING MINUTES May 27, 2012

Ditto Landing, Huntsville, AL Barbara Little - Secretary

President Don Little presiding

Don started the meeting with a call for a big round of applause for our efforts in putting on an-

other great rally. He praised everyone involved, especially all the very young volunteers we

had. And special appreciation for a job well done was given to rally chair, Sheila Kalahan.

After that he asked if we wanted to do it again in 2013. Before that vote was taken, it was

suggested that our 25th rally be our final rally.

It was decided that everyone should think about that suggestion and discussion and a vote

would be taken in January at our annual planning meeting.

A 2013 rally was approved and Sheila agreed, with some arm twisting, to be rally chair again.

(Only one person voted against Sheila but her husband was over-ruled.)

It was also decided to raffle another GS650 in order to keep the price of the tickets in the

$5.00 range.

Following that, new members were recognized. Rick and Linda Trimble, Buzz Cole and Lin-

da Bates, Michael and Tammy Benoit, and Jo Ann Zeringue all joined during the rally. (Jo

Ann is the wife of Tommy Zeringue and Tammy and Michael are his daughter and son-in-

law.)

On Thursday night some of our members presented one of our newest members with an Amer-

ican flag in honor of his recently becoming a U. S. citizen. Don again congratulated Carlos

and Monica Calero on their new citizenship.

Tommy Arnold gave a brief treasurers report and even though rally attendance was down from

past years, we should still be ok as far as profit goes. Tommy thanked Linda Goodin for sell-

ing so many raffle tickets at the rally.

Rodger Williamson, travel director, said that there still had been no ABEES points submitted

and he is going to drop that part of our travel contest for the year. He will, however, keep the

mileage part. Rodger is trying to update our ABEES list for future use.

Sheila asked for the floor to thank all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make the rally a

success.

Jamie, on behalf of our shy newsletter editor, Malvene Jackson, asked that all newsletter infor-

mation be sent ASAP since the Jacksons will have limited time this week to work on it.

The meeting was adjourned followed by a prayer for the safety of everyone as we returned

home.

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President Don Little presents the prestigious Russ Simpson Award to Darlene Massey for

her outstanding contribution to the BMW Motorcycle Owners of Alabama. Darlene was recognized for her selfless attitude, tireless labor in the kitchen at Huntsville, and flaw-

less arrangements for the past several Christmas parties. In addition, Darlene and Gary

also host the annual club meeting at Nauvoo, AL.

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It is time to start planning our cruise for 2013. Several peo-

ple have inquired about going somewhere different and

going back to Carnival. Every one seemed to like the 7-day

and Carnival just came out with a 7-day on a nice big ship,

the Conquest. I have held a group for a 7-night Key West/

Bahamas for March 3-10, 2013 from New Orleans. The

Itinerary is as follows:

Sunday March 3 - Depart New Orleans 4:00p

Monday March 4 - Fun Day at Sea

Tuesday March 5 - Key West 8:00a – 4:00p

Wednesday March 6 - Freeport, Bahamas 8:00a – 5:00p

Thursday March 7 - Nassau, Bahamas 7:00a – 5:00p

Friday March 8 – Fun Day at Sea

Saturday March 9 – Fun Day at Sea

Sunday March 10 – Arrive New Orleans – 8:00a

This ship is not quite as big as last year but it has some fun

options like a movie screen up top outside for movies un-

der the stars.

Pricing includes cruise, port charges, taxes, and tips:

Inside $653.50 per person

Triple Insides $632.50 per person

Outside $763.50 per person

Triple Outside $692.50 per person

Balcony $913.50 per person

Triple Balcony $826.00 per person

I can also get a price on Quad rooms if we need some but we need to book early on those.

Due immediately - $50.00 per person deposit or $250.00 for triple rooms

2nd Deposit of 200.00 per person due 9/24

Final payment due on 12/7

Insurance is based on per person and cabin and age.

To book your stateroom just call Debbie or me at AAA Ala-bama-Fultondale 205-841-2374

Don’t miss out on this new and exciting itinerary and a really great time for the 7th Annual BMW Cruise. Debbie and I are looking forward to hearing from you.

LET’S GO CRUISING! Mari Harrelson

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BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF ALABAMA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION / RENEWAL FORM

Date: ________/_________/2012

NEW_____RENEW_____UPDATE_____ Sponsored by _________________________________________

Primary Member:___________________________________________________________________________ DOB:_____________________________

Secondary Member:_________________________________________________________________________ DOB:____________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________ Apt#____________________________

City:________________________________________________________ State:__________________________ Zip:_____________________________

Home Phone:_____________________________ Work Phone:______________________________ Cell Phone:______________________________

E-Mail: _______________________________________________________________ FAX: __________________________________________________

Year / Model BMW(s) : ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Circle those that apply: MOA Member RA Member Airheads Member Oilheads Member AMA Member

Dues are $25.00 per year for primary and $5.00 per year for secondary members. Make check payable to:

BMW M/C Owners of Alabama. Mail application with check to: Tommy Arnold, 471 Plantation Pt. Rd., Scottsboro, AL 35768

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

James Tomaszewski Odenville, AL 1996 R1100RT Sponsor: Tommy Arnold Michael and Tammy Thibodaux, LA 2008 R1200GS Sponsor: Tommy Zeringue

Benoit

Jo Ann Zeringue Labadieville, LA Secondary Member with Tommy Zeringue Bill Tonkin and Harrison, TN 2012 R1200GS Sponsor: Martha Warren

Dianne Albea Rick and Lynda Signal Mtn, TN 2011 1200GS Sponsor: Tommy Arnold

Trimble 2003 650GS

Buzz Cole and Heflin, AL 1976 R90/6 Sponser: Connie Reaves Linda Bates

WELCOME NEW CITIZENS

Two of our newer members are also new

citizens of the United States. Welcome to Carlos and Monica Calero - welcome both to the club and to the country.

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2 Michael Johnston

3 Ted Thompson

3 Christopher Perret

4 Priscilla McCorstin

5 Stephen Smitherman

5 Jeannine Arnold

6 Fred Merrill

8 Bob Daigle

9 Jamie Jackson

9 Elizabeth Smith

10 Claudia Shar

11 Carol Farley

13 Martin Benson

13 Gary DuBois

15 Bruce Cain

19 Mark Forman

19 William Weaver

21 John Lindberg

21 Beth Gregory

22 Joe Oliver

24 Joe Lange

25 Ken Pedigo

26 John Harper

28 Kay Headrick

29 Steve Cooper

29 David Lawrenz

30 Phillip Johnson

31 Paul McClain

JULY BIRTHDAYS

ITEM FOR SALE

Gently used Kwik Kamp Kamper for sale by

owner Garage kept, Queen size bed, lots of storage, Ice chest mounted on tongue will keep Ice all weekend. Perfect for Two Ups,

opens in minutes.

$2200.00 Call Stephen (Santa) or Laneace @

2055419483 2056404752

7

Barnsley Motor Werks Spring Corroboree David Woodburn

This event was held the weekend of the 28th of May 2012. We dare to say, it went very

well. An enormous amount of work was done by Emy and I over the winter to provide

more infrastructure for this.

Riders started drifting in on Thursday. First was Doc from Georgia. He handled the secu-rity. Next was Ken and Carol Duval, an Australian couple riding their second tour

around the world. To arrive at the event they rode from Phoenix, Arizona. They declined the pig we presented them as a long- distance award. On the Saturday evening they gave a most interesting presentation entailing the three years they have recently spent in

South America.

David Sheil, who runs a church in a biker bar in Forth Pierce Florida brought up a fabu-

lous sound system and some great music. Several people got up to sing on Saturday evening. It is amazing the talent you find in a crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts. A Japa-

ness woman stopped everyone in their tracks with a beautiful song in her language. It

was stunningly surreal.

This event originally started as a “tech-weekend. We have run it for five years now, twice a year. We

started where we could but always had ongoing plans. We have tried

more and more to incorporate some focus on long distance and interna-tional travelling. We were very privi-

leged to have such an experienced couple to speak. Emy and I have

been slowly building a guest house here for travelers and a facility for

them to work on their machine.

Glenn Baird, from Alabama, orga-nized a very pleasant ride out into the Talladega National Forest which is our hinterland.

This was well spoken of.

Jim Hall and his wife came down from North Carolina. Jim handled the technical side of

things and a couple of airheads and a K bike were work on.

Jack Kipp, rode up from Panhandle, pulling a trailer. He brought the breakfasts that he

was to prepare.

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Martin Frank works on the dock at a Kroger in Atlanta. He helped bountifully with dis-

counted groceries and donated a barbeque.

So, this has become a team effort. Even a chef amongst guests oversaw the pig roast. We

get slightly better at this every event. Probably, fifty plus folk attended. We had terraced the land behind the shop and many camped. As well as the states mentioned we had rep-

resentation from Tennessee and Connecticut. A nicer cross-section of America you'd be

hard pressed to find.

Our plans are to continue running this event the last weekend of April and the

weekend after Barber's Vin-

tage Days.

The Alabama Club is very sparsly represented in the

mix. We would gladly spon-sor a monthly meeting, con-

currently with our event, if this made attending more convenient. Seperate from

that, we have for years of-fered our facilities as a des-tination or a way-stop for a

club ride and we would feed you. We need a few week's

notice. Our events are free. A few folk slip in a few dol-

lars but that is not solicited or expected.

John Harper of the Alabama Club has been a source of help and encouragement and we

are grateful to him and to all who helped and who brought something to the mix.

9

A huge thank you to the staff at Pandora’s for furnishing demo

rides at the Huntsville Rally. We appreciate their continuing support for the BMW Motorcycle Owners of Alabama. Please

visit their web site at:

www.pandorasmotorsports.com

Thanks to Jim Kalahan for arranging a flyover of an (Iraqi?) helicopter at the rally as part of our Memorial

Day Celebration.

It looks as if Marty Simpson wants to take John Zibell’s “T” for a spin.

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SO LET’S GO TO THE NATIONAL! Greg Turp

After spending several months of working in Missouri and Arkansas and many hours rid-ing the fantastic roads the Ozarks have to offer, I wanted to show an alternate route to the

BMW International Rally in Sedalia, MO. Way too often we hop on the super slab and race to our destination missing the great roads and sites that our country has to offer. These

two states, Missouri and Arkansas, were not on my list of “must ride” states. With the Ap-palachian Mountains just a few hours north of where I was living in FL, I just didn’t have the need to explore further west when time was always an issue. Then, if I had more time

off, the Rockies and West Coast were beckoning. Alabama also was not on my “must ride” states, but then I bought a BMW, joined the BMWMOAL, made many like-minded friends,

and discovered the great roads that Alabama had to offer. With my ABEES book in hand, my wife Melanie and I set off exploring curves, mountains, valleys, eateries (Alabeemers are known for finding these, thanks Bob), and many other exciting places.

The route that I have put together is only a small sampling of the miles and miles of great riding in these states. The reason these roads were chosen is most of the readers of this

newsletter will be coming from the southeastern states and traveling through or very near to Memphis, TN. If you are camping, there are many great campgrounds on fantastically

scenic waterways with crystal clear, trout filled cool water to take a dip. If you want moon-shine, there is also a “legal” distillery producing whiskey, rum, and “shine”, with an alco-hol content of 75-80%, south off Sedalia, a short day ride away. The name of this distillery

is “Copper Run Distillery”. They offer free tours and tastings daily ( www.copperrundistillery.com ).

The route has a great sampling of curves, elevation changes, mountains, and streams. I am starting the route from Memphis, TN, as I know everyone has a favorite road getting

there.

West on US64 out of Memphis from I55. (82 miles) to;

South on US67 (9 miles) to; West on E Race Ave (2.5 miles, becomes AR16) to;

West on AR16 (14 miles) then;

IF YOU WANT TO CAMP, continue West on AR110 (14 miles) to North on AR5 (3 miles), across the dam, to the JFK, CCC campground on the Red River;

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO CAMP, continue on AR16 (47 miles) to;

North on AR9 (30 miles) through Mountain View to Sylamore intersection.

This intersection of AR 9 north (right), 5 north (straight), or 14/341 (left) are all great. Just end up on AR 9 north to Mammoth Springs.

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My choice, left on AR14 west (great road)(17 miles), to right on AR341 north (25 miles), to

continue right on AR341 (1 mile), to AR5 south (14 miles), to AR56 east (14 miles), to AR9 north to Mammoth Springs.

Once in Mammoth Springs head north on MO19, to Eminence, MO (great canoeing here)(58 miles).

If you want a break, you can take a canoe trip around this town or head west on MO106

to Alley Springs (5 miles). Alley Springs has a visitor center, some old houses, and a great place to soak your feet in the cool water.

From Eminence, continue north on MO19 (24 miles) to;

West on Hwy KK to Akers Crossing, a one-car ferry crossing, honk your horn when you arrive. (6 miles).

After the crossing the road becomes Hwy K south (17 miles) to;

North on MO17 to Houston (22 miles). From here head north or west on your quest for your destination, the 40th BMW Interna-

tional Rally, in Sedalia, MO

Ride Safe and have FUN. See you there.

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BMWMOAL June 2012 Meeting and the 2012 Barber SuperBike Classic 22–24 June 2012

Barber Motorsports Park will once again play host to the stars of AMA Pro Road Racing.

The event, scheduled for 22-24 June 2012, will mark the tenth consecutive year that the

series will visit the picturesque 2.38-mile natural road course in Birmingham, Alabama.

Fans will witness thrilling doubleheader action in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike and AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport, while

the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series will battle it out in a single race format.

There are three teams riding BMW S1000RR's in this year’s Superbike Series. These in-clude Foremost Insurance Racing with Larry Pegram; Evan Steel Performance Racing with

Taylor Knapp; and Liberty Waves Racing with Eric Pinson.

The BMWMOAL will be gathering at the "Courtyard 25" Oyster Bar and Grill at 53707 Hwy 25, Vandiver, AL 35176. No reservations are needed for tent camping. For cabin reserva-

tions, call (205) 672-3335 or go to http://www.cy-25.com/index.html

The ride from Courtyard-25 to Barbers is (according to MapQuest) 25 mins / 12.53 miles. It takes me about 15-20 minutes, but traffic can back up at the entry into Barbers. To see

the map, look here http://mapq.st/K1vPjO

Attendance at the Races at Barbers is not mandatory, but those intending to go will need

to secure access to the event. Tickets can be purchased online from Barbers at https://events.cuetoems.com/ama/OnlineTicketSales.aspx ... Another option is to do some volunteer work for Barbers and work a shift or two at the races. There is a fee for the

volunteer program, but the benefits far exceed the normal ticket admission. If you're inter-ested in volunteering - go to this web address: http://barbermotorsports.com/park/volunteer-information.php. The Race Series is spon-

sored by the National Guard, and those with an active or retired National Guard military I.D. card were allowed free entry for them and a guest last year, but I haven't yet been able

to confirm if that will also happen again this year.

The weather will probably be like any other June in Alabama. It will be warm to hot, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. You will need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes,

and sunscreen! Umbrella's double for both rain and shade. Also try to stay hydrated!

Courtyard 25 has their own restaurant providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, ~ and

Barber's has vendors on-site also providing food and drinks during the race events.

Photos f rom last years Superbike Classic can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.157089517698381.40051.1224994344907

23&type=3 and there is a good video summary of the event produced by Michael Jordan

Motorsports (Suzuki) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF4vEP8HT0w

If you are planning on attending the SuperBike Race , please RSVP at

https://www.facebook.com/events/350447671640972/

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Lost and Found

One pair of blue framed glasses.

One gray cap with Puerto Rico on it.

Contact rally@bmwmoal.org to claim.

Items for Sale

For all the people that could not make the 2012 Greatest Chicken Rally this year, but

would like a Rally Shirt, or would like to have an extra one, I have few left and they can be purchased and shipped for $19.00. Please

Email me at rally@bmwmoal.org for details.

All pictures were

contributed by

Suzi Dubick and Jim Kalahan

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BMWM MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF ALABAMA - Dedicated to safe and enjoyable motorcycling.

Name YTD Per Bike YTD Per Rider

Tommy Zeringue 8309 8309

Mike Bauman (R1200GS) 4131 4131

Vance Harrelson (G650GS) 1265 3801

Vance Harrelson (R1200GSA) 2536 3801

Rodger Williamson (R1150GSA) 3225 3293

Rodger Williamson (R1150R) 68 3293

Greg Turp 3235 3235

Bill Bryan 2806 2806

Albert White (R1100RT) 1471 2014

Albert White (R1200C) 543 2014

Paul McBrayer 1921 1921

Don Little 1726 1726

Bill Shanks (V Strom) 800 800

Shep Brown (R100RS) 313 734

Shep Brown (R1150RT) 421 734

Connie Reeves 0 0

Tim Flynn 0 0

Jeanne Zibell (R1150RS) 0 0

Jeanne Zibell (R100CS) 0 0

Michael Waybright 0 0

Bob Daigle (R1200GS) 0 0

Bob Daigle (R1200RT) 0 0

Bob Daigle (Suzuki DR650SE) 0 0

Wanda Hudson (G650GS) 0 0

Steve Hudson (R1200GS) 0 0

Note: “If” you have a zero (0) for mileage, you either gave your starting, or ending

mileage, and I do not know what your other odometer reading is. If you do not

know that reading, please post your end of month odometer readings every month, and we can do an estimate on monthly mileage, and back that guessti-

mate to your start date.

ABBES TO DATE THRU MAY

Rodger Williamson, Travel Director

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Other Events of Interest

Jun 14 -17 RA Rally - Copper Mtn, CO

Jun 22 - 24 Barber Superbike - Birmingham, AL

Jul 19 - 22 BMWMOA - Sedalia, MO

Oct 12 - 14 Barber Vintage Days - B’ham,AL

Oct 5 - 7 Return to Shiloh - Pickwick Dam, TN

Nov 12-14 SwampScooters Rally - Carencro, LA

Club Sponsored Events With Meetings

Jun 23/24 Courtyard 25 - Vandiver, AL

Jul 28/29 Blue Ridge MC Campground - Cruso, NC

Aug 25/26 Kinderfest - Enterprise, AL

Sep 29/30 Harbin Hotel - Nauvoo, AL

Oct 27/28 Laurel Trails Campgnd - Monteagle, TN

Dec 8 Christmas Party - Hampton Inn, Eagle

Point

Thank You from Sheila Kalahan

Where did the year go? It came and went in a flash with another rally going into the his-

tory books of our great club. Rallies take months of planning, team work and volunteers. For me, if it was not for the great team work and the volunteers none of this would have

been possible.

First, I thank our Father God for listening to my endless prayers. When I accepted this project fear set in, before long he had talked to a lot of hearts and provided all the an-

swers, solutions and put my worries to rest.

Second, I would like to thank all of the Team Captains for their dedication and commit-

ment to ensure each department ran smooth.

Third, Thank you to all of the volunteers (club members and none members) for stepping

up to the plate to help out where ever they were needed.

Forth, Thank you to all of the children for their hard work and doing what ever was asked

with out complaint.

Fifth, Thank you to all of the behind the scene volunteers for their wisdom, knowledge

and support.

Sixth, Thanks to our Web Master for making my life easier.

And to all others that I was not made aware of, Thank You also.

Again, Thank You Team for a job well done.

Love and God Bless You All.